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Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit

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New information has emerged following American Idol Season 19 runner-up Willie Spence’s death earlier this week in a car accident. Family sources have said they don’t believe alcohol was a factor, but Spence may have fallen asleep at the wheel.

Willie Spence’s Family Shares Update on Car Accident

Family sources reportedly told TMZ that Spence was leaving Tennessee State University’s homecoming weekend and heading to Atlanta when the accident occurred Tuesday. However, they shared that Spence wasn’t a drinker, so alcohol is unlikely to have contributed.

The accident also happened in the afternoon, so Spence wasn’t just leaving a party. Instead, sources believe Spence could have been fatigued from the long weekend, causing him to fall asleep at the wheel. Spence’s car reportedly hit the back of a tractor-trailer that was stopped on the road’s shoulder.

Just hours before the accident occurred, Spence posted a video of himself on Instagram singing the worship song “You Are My Hiding Place.” According to TMZ, Spence was heading to Atlanta to meet with an organization helping abused and trafficked women.

SEE ALSO: ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ STAR WILLIE SPENCE PASSES AWAY AT 23 YEARS OLD

Spence’s Family Has Spoken Out Following His Death

On Wednesday, Spence’s family held a news conference outside his grandmother’s home in Riviera Beach, Florida. Local news shared video of the conference, during which Spence’s cousin Sabrina Cooper spoke about him.

“Willie was our gentle giant,” Cooper said of the 23-year-old singer. “He had such a soft demeanor but a very, very powerful voice. When he opened his mouth and lifted the Lord in song, many would just stop in their tracks to listen to him. Now Willie is in heaven, singing the lead in the heaven’s choir.”

According to TMZ, Spence’s family is planning a funeral to pay tribute to him. The outlet linked to a GoFundMe that has been set up to cover expenses.

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